It is our pleasure to introduce First Congregational Church’s 2024 recipients of the Debra Kay Pehrson Scholarship Award. Because a scholarship has not been given the last several years, the Called to Care Team (on behalf of the Board of Trustees) selected two candidates to receive awards this year.
Ellen Clark, a long-term member of First Congregational Church of Bellingham, is currently enrolled and excelling in the Emergency Management and Community Resilience Master’s Degree Program at Portland State University. She hopes to learn to empower vulnerable communities toward safety, resilience, and recovery responses in times of crisis. In her application Ellen states that First Congregational membership has taught her unconditional love without judgement, opening her life to amazing opportunities.
Sara Mayr-Sheriff attended First Congregational Church as a child, and her mom Kelcie Sheriff is an active part of our church family. Sara is graduating with her high school diploma from Sehome HS and her AA degree from WCC. She graduates with high academic achievement and will be continuing her undergraduate work in Psychology as a Junior at the University of Utah. Sarah has fond memories of the welcoming atmosphere of First Congregational.
Arvie Pehrson established the annual scholarship in honor of her daughter, Debra Kay Pehrson, who served this community as a dedicated nurse. The $2500 scholarship supports individuals who have chosen to pursue a career in health and wellness. We are delighted to offer this financial support to Sara and Ellen, and we pray God’s guidance and wisdom in their ongoing education.
Faithfully,
The Called to Care Team
Martha Serven, Health Minister
Karen Lauckhardt, Health Minister
Kathleen McGuinness, Stephen Ministry
Tim Shepherd, Stephen Ministry
Tena Hilton, Parish Visitors/Friendly Callers
Lyz Staman, Admin Support
Sharon Benton, Lead Pastor
